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A perfectly seared steak bite, glistening with garlic butter sauce, is one of life's simple pleasures. This 15-minute recipe transforms quality sirloin into an impressive yet effortless meal that delivers steakhouse flavors right from your home kitchen.
Key Ingredients
- Sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Unsalted butter
- Fresh garlic cloves
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- Cast iron skillet
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Steak Preparation
Proper preparation is crucial for achieving the perfect sear. Let steak come to room temperature, pat completely dry with paper towels, and season generously with salt and pepper. Cut into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
Cooking Method
The key to restaurant-quality steak bites lies in proper heat control and timing. A screaming hot cast iron skillet creates the perfect crust while maintaining a tender, medium-rare center. Resist the urge to overcrowd the pan or move the meat too soon.
Building the Sauce
Once the steak develops a golden crust:
Lower heat to medium
Add butter gradually
Incorporate minced garlic
Baste meat with sauce
Monitor garlic closely
The sauce should be rich and fragrant without any bitter burnt notes.
Temperature Guidelines
Essential temperature tips:
Preheat pan until smoking hot
Cook in batches if needed
Look for deep golden crust
Adjust heat as needed
Rest meat briefly before serving
Serving Suggestions
Complete the meal with:
Artisan bread
Roasted vegetables
Creamy mashed potatoes
Mixed green salad
Bold red wine
The garlic butter sauce begs to be soaked up with crusty bread.
Recipe Variations
This versatile recipe welcomes creative adaptations while maintaining its core technique:
Flavor Additions
Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary
Red wine or brandy reduction
Sautéed mushrooms
Crumbled blue cheese topping
Compound butter finish
Each variation builds on the classic garlic butter foundation.
Service Tips
For optimal enjoyment:
Serve immediately
Provide sauce boats
Use small plates for appetizers
Include serving picks
Keep sauce warm
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Storage Notes
For best results:
Serve fresh from the pan
Keep warm in 200°F oven
Reheat gently in skillet
Store sauce separately
Avoid microwave reheating
Final Tips
This recipe showcases how simple ingredients and proper technique combine to create an exceptional dish. Focus on quality ingredients, proper heat management, and careful timing.
Success comes from respecting the fundamentals: hot pan, dry meat, proper seasoning, and careful attention to the garlic butter sauce. Master these elements for consistently impressive results.
Remember to serve with plenty of bread - the sauce is an essential part of the experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Which steak cut works best?
- Tender options like ribeye, tenderloin, sirloin, strip steak, or strip loin work beautifully. Aim for a juicy, marbled cut for the top results.
- → Why won’t my steak get a proper crust?
- Be sure the meat’s dry before cooking and heat the pan until it’s sizzling. Don’t overcrowd – split into batches if needed!
- → How can I tell when my steak bites are done?
- For medium-rare, look for a crisp, golden outer layer with a pink center inside. This usually takes 4-5 minutes in total.
- → What sides go well with these?
- Serve with fresh salads, hearty mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or even roasted veggies for a full meal.
- → Can this meal be prepped in advance?
- They taste best fresh, but leftovers will keep for up to 3 days. Reheat carefully to avoid overcooking!